Picture a Brazilian-American storyteller who weaves vibrant tales of identity and connection—meet Gabriella Burnham! With her evocative prose and multicultural lens, Burnham has captivated readers worldwide. Her debut novel, It Is Wood, It Is Stone, launched her as a literary star, blending lush settings with raw human experiences. Ready to dive into her world?
Burnham’s unique voice, shaped by her dual citizenship and rich cultural heritage, brings authenticity to every page. From São Paulo’s bustling streets to Nantucket’s windswept shores, her stories explore the intersections of race, class, and belonging with unflinching clarity. Let’s uncover the journey of this rising author!
The Making of Gabriella Burnham
Gabriella Burnham, a dual citizen of the United States and Brazil, spent her childhood in São Paulo before moving to Nantucket, where she graduated from Nantucket High School in 2005. Her passion for literature bloomed under the guidance of her teacher Anne Phaneuf, who introduced her to Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera. This sparked a love for stories that unravel human complexities like detective work. Burnham honed her craft with an MFA from The Writer’s Foundry at St. Joseph’s College, later earning fellowships at Yaddo and MacDowell, where she was named a Harris Center Fellow.
Before becoming a full-time novelist, Burnham worked as a reporter for Nantucket’s Inquirer and Mirror, a creative writing teacher, and in immigration law. These roles sharpened her ability to capture diverse perspectives, infusing her fiction with a journalist’s eye for detail and a teacher’s empathy for human stories.
Gabriella Burnham’s Unforgettable Stories
Burnham’s debut, It Is Wood, It Is Stone (2020), is a mesmerizing tale set in São Paulo, following three women—Linda, Marta, and Celia—whose lives intertwine amid themes of privilege, sexuality, and racial tensions. Praised for its “sharp, gorgeous prose,” the novel was named a best book of 2020 by Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, Publishers Weekly, and Good Housekeeping. Its second-person narrative and vivid Brazilian backdrop create a thriller-like intimacy, earning accolades for its fresh take on domestic fiction.
In 2024, Burnham released Wait, a coming-of-age story set on Nantucket Island. The novel follows sisters Elise and Sophie as they navigate their mother’s disappearance, exploring sisterhood, housing insecurity, and immigrant experiences. Critics lauded its “limpid and lovely” prose and social consciousness, with Vulture calling it one of 2024’s best books. Burnham’s style—sensuous, precise, and layered—blends poetic imagery with unflinching social commentary, making her work both accessible and profound.
Her nonfiction, appearing in Harper’s Bazaar, reflects similar themes, often delving into cultural and social dynamics. Whether fiction or nonfiction, Burnham’s writing invites readers to confront uncomfortable truths while savoring the beauty of her prose.
Why Gabriella Burnham Matters
Gabriella Burnham’s work resonates because it bridges cultures and amplifies marginalized voices. Her Brazilian-American perspective offers a rare lens on identity, making her a vital voice in contemporary literature. By tackling issues like class, race, and belonging, she challenges readers to rethink societal structures while delivering emotionally rich stories. Her growing fanbase, from Brooklyn to Brazil, proves her universal appeal.
As a fellowship recipient and celebrated novelist, Burnham is paving the way for diverse storytellers. Her ability to craft narratives that are both intimate and socially conscious ensures her lasting impact. With more books on the horizon, she’s an author to watch in the literary world.
- Birthplace: Dual citizen of Brazil and the United States
- Key Works: It Is Wood, It Is Stone (2020), Wait (2024)
- Awards: Fellowships at Yaddo and MacDowell (Harris Center Fellow)
- Fun Fact: Lives in Brooklyn with her partner and two rescue cats, Galleta and Franz
Snag It Is Wood, It Is Stone or Wait and dive into Gabriella Burnham’s lush, thought-provoking world! Her stories will linger long after the last page.